Smokin Dave's Barbeque

• Review
• Monday, September 29, 2008

As one who travels on my stomach, I did not really have any preconcieved notions on what to expect from the food scene in the town of Estes Park.   Frankly, I wasn't even sure there was a food scene, beyond candy shops and elk burgers.

It was my pleasant surprise to find an exceptional barbeque restaurant just outside of the town center.    Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Tap House, is located in what appears to be a former Pizza Hut.   It's modest facility and small sign by the side of the road belie a truly memorable barbeque experience.

 It did not seem to be a secret to the locals that this place is something special, as we observed a long list of potential customers vying for a spot on the waiting list.    Fortunately, take out is availible, and they do accept reservations.

 Smokin Dave's menu borrows from the great regional barbeque styles in the United States.    Their Texas beef brisket has been smoked for 12 hours and can easily be cut without a knife.   Their St. Louis Style Ribs are also smoked slowly, allowing the meat to almost fall off the bone.   Roasted half chicken, Kansas City BBQ sausage, and Carolina pulled pork completed the core of the core of their barbeque offerings.  Four different homemade sauces and your choice of different sides sealed the deal. The sweat potato fries alone might be worth stopping by for.  With a choice of three meats for $14.95, even their prices were downright reasonable.  

If you get to visit Estes Park, and you love good barbeque, you simply must go to Smokin Daves.    Just remember to make your reservations in advance!